Fixture

Merched Caernarfon 19 - Merched Gogledd Llandaff 10

Caernarfon can count themselves lucky to have taken the spoils in this league encounter since they had to rely on the inclusion of the tried and trusted to finally grind out a victory against a competent and well drilled Llandaff North outfit.

Former Caernarfon player Morfudd Ifans moved from her usual hooking berth to steer the Llandaff North pack very effectively from Number 8 with fellow back row players Kirsty Elliott and Jenni Scobale constantly in the fray to gain valuable metres. Caernarfon relied on the tackling of fullback Beth Davies and centre Hannah Williams to stop the promising breaks of wing Keira Philpott and namesake centre Kirsty Philpott who sadly had to retire injured before the end.

The scraps of possession that came Caernarfon's way were well utilised by Teleri Davies and Molly Shuttleworth but following continuous pressure and constant possession the inevitable breakthrough occurred on the half hour when from a scrum some five meters adrift Morfudd Ifans picked up and powered over to justifiably open Llandaff North's account.

Caernarfon hoped to stay within one score up to the half time break knowing that they would have the slope in their favour during the second period but with LLandaff North buoyant and with second row Ffion Evans especially impressive will ball in hand the next telling break came on the stroke of half time when swift passing amongst the backs released speedy winger Keira Philpott who dashed to ground out wide meaning that Caernarfon were ten points adrift at the interval.

The Cofis introduced stalwart Jenny Davies for the second period and her leadership qualities came to the fore for they were a more purposeful and cohesive unit under her guidance. The scrums were however still an Achilles heel with visiting captain Beth Kenure upholding the dying art of successful striking to snatch numerous put ins as well as being a safe pair of hands in general play.

However the Cofis were beginning to feature more regularly in the visitors territory and more pairs of hands were required at the breakdown to halt the driving surges of Teleri Davies and Nicky Crawford meaning that there was more space appearing in open play. From a scrum in Llandaff's half, quick and decisive passing via Crawford and Hannah Jones allowed fullback Beth Davies enough space to power beyond the cover and run in behind the posts. She was also able to slot the conversion to claw Caernarfon back to within three points. The Cofis had twenty minutes to seek the all important next score but their best endeavours were met by stout defending, leading one to believe that the visitors could well hold on to their deserved lead.

Cofis introducing 67 cap Rachel Taylor was however another thorn in Llandaff's side, meaning that an extra pair of hands was needed to shepherd the now retired international player.

A short penalty take some ten metres from the try line caused a little confusion in Llandaff's ranks as they were probably expecting the ball to be fed wide, this however left insufficient numbers defending close to the mark, for Teleri Davies tapped and ploughed a lone furrow towards the try line but with the eventual assistance of her fellow forwards she succeeded to cross the whitewash to give Caernarfon the lead. The conversion came off the upright so Llandaff North were more than in with a shout if to camp in Cofi territory for the final few added minutes.

To their credit this they did with Scobale and sure handed prop Sophie Waugh driving with intent. However a breakthrough was not forthcoming and it took a well timed tackle by fullback Rhian Gower on opposite number Beth Davies after she had been put in space by the impressive linking of Nicky Crawford and Rachel Taylor, to prevent the classic counter attacking try.

With the last play pending, Caernarfon conjured one other attack with stand off Iona Evans opting to chip the defence, that led to Beth Davies winning the chase to hack on and gather and on being brought to ground, found Iona Evans still in support, for the instigator of the move to run in and score. Beth Davies on this occasion added the conversion that even denied Llandaff North a losing bonus point. Rugby can be a cruel game, as the valiant visitors found.